For the last 100 years, John Deere has been entrenched in the tractor manufacturing business. From the Waterloo Boy tractors to today’s behemoths, such as the 9RX, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry and a recognizable brand across the United States and much of the globe.
With a century of manufacturing under its belt, John Deere has decided it’s time to celebrate with a year’s worth of events. These events will commemorate its tractor production legacy as the company moves into its second century of supporting today’s farmers and property owners. Here’s a look at some of the John Deere tractor events that will be taking place across the country in 2018.
Gold Key Tour for a Florida Family
The series of celebratory events was kicked off when a Florida family got a Gold Key Tour and received their brand new 8245R tractor, which was the first 2018 model produced in Waterloo, Iowa. The Wade Purvis family was the recipient of the 2018 tractor that includes a badge commemorating the 100th anniversary. This badge will be present on several 2018 tractor models, including the 6, 7, 8, and 9 Series machines.
John Deere at the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will pay homage to Deere’s milestone as well. The “American Enterprise” exhibition has marked 2018 as “the year of the tractor.” The Smithsonian’s 1918 iconic green, yellow, and red Waterloo Boy tractor will be installed as a fixture at the entrance of the business history exhibit, beginning in January. At the exhibit, visitors will be able to experience the new “Precision Farming” display, which will highlight technology’s role within today’s agriculture industry. John Deere has donated a GPS antenna for attendees to see this type of equipment in action.
Iconic Tractors at Various John Deere Locations
Throughout the year, John Deere will be placing several iconic tractor models at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, the John Deere Pavilion and John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, Ill., and the John Deere Forum in Mannheim, Germany. Visitors to these locations will be able to get an up-close look at history frozen in time.
Additionally, in June of 2018, 100 John Deere tractors and engines will be on display at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum and the Waterloo Convention Center. During this time, the venues will be open to the public and will be featuring exhibits as well as family-friendly activities. The exhibits will showcase tractors and engines spanning product lines from across the world.
John Deere Tractor History on Display in Iowa
Finally, beginning in January, the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, Iowa, will be telling the history of John Deere tractors with a history of farm toys. Additionally, the State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines will focus on John Deere tractors and equipment as they tell the story of John Deere’s 100-year presence and importance to Iowa farmers.
Final Thoughts
Each of these events will offer a unique view of John Deere’s tractor history. Don’t forget to mark your calendars as we head towards a year full of celebratory John Deere events!
If you have any questions about John Deere tractors, contact your local John Deere dealer.
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